The Roaring Twenties And The Great Gatsby

Monday, April 7, 2014

About two months ago I watched the movie, The Great Gatsby, by Australian director, producer and screenwriter, Baz Luhrmann, and really enjoyed it.

It's strange, because although I don’t normally care for remakes of original films, there was something about this 2013 version that I found lavishly juicy. And I think a lot of that had to do with the amazing computer generated effects and production design, which gave the film a decadent and excessive quality, much like it was in the roaring twenties with the high-octane parties, music, and style.

Especially for someone like, Jay Gatsby, who was a millionaire and lived a larger than life existence.

Another thing I enjoyed was that Baz Luhrmann fused the music soundtrack with many popular vocal artists of today, giving the film both a past and present feel. Again, I don’t normally like when a director takes a movie classic and updates it, however, it seemed to work for Luhrmann’s own unique interpretation of The Great Gatsby novel.

But above all, my favorite things about this film were the clothes, jewelry, hair, makeup, and the whole Art Deco design of the era, which was largely due to Catherine Martin, who was the production/costume designer of this film, and who is also the wife of Baz Luhrmann.

Catherine’s design of this film was nothing short of brilliant. In fact, she won the Academy Award for Best Production Design for The Great Gatsby, which she very much deserved.

Overall, the film got mixed reviews. But as I shared, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it because I didn't think I would.

Allow me to take you on a brief flashback to the roaring twenties and The Great Gatsby.

Please note the attention to detail in these production photos. It’s flawless!

60 comments

I didn't see the original so I would probably enjoy this film. In fact, if the photographs are anything to go by, I'm sure of it. I could wallow in the atmosphere! But you know what grabbed me most.... that gorgeous Duesenberg. I remember the day when I would have given almost anything to own one like that. Going to pop along to Amazon now and see if they have this... I mean the film, not the Duesenberg.

Joe says thank you for all your good wishes and so do I. Hope you have an undemanding week x

I haven't seen either of them. I was thinking I should put the older one in my queue on Netflix. The 20's weren't my favorite decade for fashion - I don't care for all those dropped waist dresses (a dress feature which made a resurgence in the 80's and was still unflattering to most most).

I'd wanted to see this movie, but I never got around to it, so thanks for sharing.While I've never been a "hat person," I so love the jewelry of this era. Those chandelier earrings and jeweled headbands are spectacular!And I so love Gatsby's car -- wouldn't it have been FUN riding around in something that cool??Attention to detail -- yes, that's crucial in making works of art come to life (in film as well as in writing or web design). I'd say those awards were well-earned!Happy Monday, Ron!

Ron, I saw this film last year and just like you, I did NOT think I would enjoy it because I saw the version with Robert Redford so many years ago. Also, the reviews when it first came out were not good so I was apprehensive. But I have to say that I was shocked by how much I did enjoy it. I even bought the dvd and soundtrack.

The costumes, hair, makeup and design were all amazing. My favorite song in the movie was by Lana Del Rey, Young and Beautiful, it's so hauntingly beautiful.

Great photographs from the movie. Love the one of the party scene. The makeup is so beautiful.The 1920's were so glamorous, weren't they?

"In fact, if the photographs are anything to go by, I'm sure of it. I could wallow in the atmosphere!"

It's one of those films that makes your eyes POP because it's visually (to me anyway) gorgeous. And I like how the director used excerpts from the novel as voice overs to narrate the film. It's VERY different from the Robert Redford (Jay Gatsby) version.

"But you know what grabbed me most.... that gorgeous Duesenberg. I remember the day when I would have given almost anything to own one like that. Going to pop along to Amazon now and see if they have this... I mean the film, not the Duesenberg."

HA! Isn't that car faaaaabulous? They used Jay Leno's (who has a Duesenberg) car-sound to create the sound for the movie!

" I saw this film last year and just like you, I did NOT think I would enjoy it because I saw the version with Robert Redford so many years ago. Also, the reviews when it first came out were not good so I was apprehensive."

My cousin gave me her copy of the DVD and I didn't think I would like it because I normally not fond of updated versions of classics. Yet, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

" My favorite song in the movie was by Lana Del Rey, Young and Beautiful, it's so hauntingly beautiful."

OMG...I can't believe you mentioned that song because it's my fav too! And you described it perfectly....hauntingly beautiful!

"Love the one of the party scene. The makeup is so beautiful.The 1920's were so glamorous, weren't they?"

Ron, I never saw the original or read Fitzgerald's book, but I did see this movie because when it first come out my girlfriend was anxious to see it because she has a crush on DiCaprio. I liked it a lot and so did she. It was CGI at its best because you couldn't tell that it was. Amazing!

I can't thank you ENOUGH for sharing that link. It was AWESOME!!! And yes, I agree...it was CGI at its best because you didn't even realize it was fake. The DVD I own comes with a several documentaries about the film, and I was blown away to see that so much of the film was CGI.

Baz Luhrman has a unique way of updating classics with modern music...and making them work. I can't tell you how many times I have watched "Moulin Rouge" while singing along to Elton John! I know "Romeo & Juliet" did the same thing. I am definitely interested in checking out "The Great Gatsby," having read the book for the first time just a couple of years ago.

I saw this in the theaters and thought it was sooo luscious on the big screen. I remember the original, but think this one had more *bling* to it that better depicted the lifestyle of that era. I liked the acting and thought DeCaprio did a great job. And Daisy is just adorable! Sadly, the story line is so tragic on many levels. You chose fantastic photos to depict the overall theme of the movie.

Baz Luhrmann is one of those directors who I like in principal, but I'm not overly keen on his films. By which I mean that I like his production values and independent spirit, but the way he realises the material.Moulin Rouge was ok but the casting wasn't all that good, Romeo and Juliet was cast well and nicely shot, but I wasn't keen on the soundtrack. And Australia was just dull.Strictly Ballroom was ok though, so maybe I'll take a look at Gatsby.I doubt that it will top the original but it does look "luscious", you're right.

Ron, I have never seen any of The Great Gatsby films or read the book, but I love the 1920's style and fashion, so I really should order this on Netflix. And just from the photographs you shared, I have a feeling that I would really enjoy it. The costumes and jewelry alone are incredible. And I love that last photo of the flappers!

The only two films I've ever seen of Baz Luhrmann were Strictly Ballroom and Moulin Rouge and thoroughly enjoyed them. I own the dvd of SB.

"Baz Luhrmann is one of those directors who I like in principal, but I'm not overly keen on his films. By which I mean that I like his production values and independent spirit, but the way he realises the material.

I love how you expressed your honest opinion, Dale, very well said! And I know several other people who feel similar about Baz's films.

"Moulin Rouge was ok but the casting wasn't all that good.."

To be honest, I had to watch that film twice before I liked it. I like it better the second time. And you're right, some of the casting seemed 'off.'

Romeo and Juliet I never saw, so I can't share my opinion on that one.

However, Strictly Ballroom, I adored. I actually have that film.

If you ever get a chance, please do watch The Great Gatsby because I would I love to hear your opinion. As I shared, I honestly didn't think I would like it, but I did.

Sounds like a good remake of a film classic. I usually prefer the original version of movies too but it sounds like they did a great job with this new one Ron. Just looking at the costumes and sets etc, was such a treat.

Not to be nasty but do those two jazz girls not have BIG thighs!!! I love their dresses though. ;-)

"I usually prefer the original version of movies too but it sounds like they did a great job with this new one Ron."

Yes, they did. As I shared, I REALLY enjoyed this version. I don't know if you're familiar with any of Baz's other films, but he usually includes a lot of FLASH, which for this story, I think it worked fabulously!

"Not to be nasty but do those two jazz girls not have BIG thighs!!! I love their dresses though."

I think being dancers, their thighs are more muscular than thin because you can really see the muscle tone in their calves.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Geraldine! And happy week to you as well!

I'm with you in that I usually don't even want to think about the remake of a classic but you've piqued my interest. And the clothes are too die for! I love the bracelet attached with the middle piece to the ring in the second to last photo.

It was forced reading in school. LOL..which automatically ruffles my feathers. But so was "Red Badge of Courage"....and I re-read it by my own free will. Perhaps I give this one a second chance and find out I like it? I do remember it was NOT a happily ever after kinda story. I like when good wins. LOLLooking at the photos you can see how much went into the details of the era. Ohmygosh....and the jewelry. That crystal dress is just amazing. But the CAR....THAT'S the kinda stuff that makes the whole film. Of course, he-who-has-an-eye-for-details would be looking for errors. LOL. He did that with Pearl Harbor and had to point out the errors to me. LOL. Like I'da known?!Dunno if it'll make it to this house, but I'll suggest it and see how it goes. I'm game. :-)

Hi Ron, I was just wondering whether you received my comment? I sent it a couple of days ago, and I don't seem to see it. Perhaps it has something to do with using Disqus for the first time?In any event, so glad to see you, Ron! And so loved the Great Gatsby. I think I mentioned, that I'd be curious to find out from Shirley MacLaine if I'd been a Gatsby girl in a past life because I love finger waves. There was an older woman who came into the shop while I was on the floor at Robert Fiance (something I pursued to relieve the stress of corporate life), and she always asked for finger waves. She had the most beautiful, shoulder length gray hair. I always imagined her as a flapper when she was young woman.It's been a long while, Ron. I'm just realizing how much I've missed blogging with the years of taking care of my parents, and not having much time to. Do you remember the mini-scripts on Whose Role Is It Anyway? Just collected them into an eBook, now available at an Amazon near you!Omg, Ron, this wasn't a plug for the eBook. It is a genuine hello to a dear friend I needed to visit and say hello.Keep well, Ron! Love, Petra :))

OMG...it's so GREAT to see you again!!!!! And no, I did not see your comment a few days ago. I just checked my spam box to see if it was in there, but didn't find it. Sometimes Disqus EATS comments and they disappear. So sorry about that, dear lady. However, I placed your login information on pre-approval, so the next time you leave a comment it should automatically go through. But please let me know via email if you don't see it.

"And so loved the Great Gatsby."

Wasn't it GREAT???

"I'd be curious to find out from Shirley MacLaine if I'd been a Gatsby girl in a past life because I love finger waves."

HA! Don't you LOVE finger waves and the hairstyles of 1920's? When I attended cosmetology school, they were still teaching how to do finger waves, but unfortunately not many women wear their hair that way, so you forget how to do them. Yet, I have seen a few women (today) still using them. So classic!

"Do you remember the mini-scripts on Whose Role Is It Anyway? Just collected them into an eBook, now available at an Amazon near you!"

That's AWESOME! And congratulations!!!!!!

I can't thank you enough for stopping by and saying hello! Hope all is going well with you. And please let me know if you are still blogging.

Oh, goodness, I was delighted to see that you posted about this movie. I have never read the book or watched the original. I happened to catch this on HBO one night. I usually love anything with Leo in it! I wasn't sure if I would like the style at first, but once I started watching, I was SO HOOKED. The 20's music revamped to current style. The elaborate props and costumes. The scenes of New York and the overall processing of the film. I just fell completely into it. And I was SHOCKED at the ending. I had no idea. I wonder how long my jaw hung open at the end. Jeez! But after the movie, I downloaded the soundtrack and listened to it a gillion times. I love this movie (unhappy ending and all). I am so glad you shared it! :-)

The 1970's version with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow had a TOTALLY different feel and tone to the movie/story. And as I shared, I don't normally enjoy remakes, but I LOVED this remake.

"And I was SHOCKED at the ending. I had no idea. I wonder how long my jaw hung open at the end. Jeez!"

And what I really loved about this ending, verses the other version, is the brilliant way they shot and edited it.

"I love this movie (unhappy ending and all)."

Me too! I'm someone who actually enjoys an unhappy ending in certain movies because it's real. Not everything in life HAS a happy ending.

I don't know if you've ever seen the movie, "House of Sand and Fog", but you ever get a chance please watch it because it's an incredible movie and does not have a happy ending, however, it's a riveting story that will leave you breathless.

I'm a huge fan of the book, and I've taught it a couple of times, so I was interested to see what Lurhmann would do with it, seeing as how I've always liked his movies. I have mixed feelings myself, but I think overall, he did a good job of translating the over-the-top excess of the 20's for modern audiences, and it was subtle, but the hip-hop music, to me, drew a parallel between the 20's gangsters dealing in illegal hooch and modern-day gangstas dealing in their own illicit substances. Still, just like with Romeo + Juliet, it's difficult to improve on greatness!

That is so great to hear because many people say they don't like the book.

"but the hip-hop music, to me, drew a parallel between the 20's gangsters dealing in illegal hooch and modern-day gangstas dealing in their own illicit substances."

HA! I LOVE your take on that because I can see how you felt that way. Great comparison!!!

" Still, just like with Romeo + Juliet, it's difficult to improve on greatness!"

I agree, there really is no way to compare original films to the remakes, they are are just two different interpretations. That's like when Hollywood said they were thinking of doing a Part 2 to the movie, Gone With The Wind. The way that movie ended is how I want to always remember that film, which left the audience wondering whatever happened to Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara.

Awesome review and screencaps! This is one of those blu-rays that we bought but have not yet seen. I think we should commit and watch it this weekend. Looks and sounds like something we'd really enjoy, and I think it might turn out like the movie Les Miserables. That movie languished in my collection for months until we put it on out of curiosity and we absolutely loved it!

"This is one of those blu-rays that we bought but have not yet seen. I think we should commit and watch it this weekend."

OMG...you have this film, Herman? How cool it that! And yes, when you get the chance, please watch it because I think you (being someone who appreciates CGI) will LOVE it! And also watch the blu-ray 'extra features' because they explain how the movie was made. It's fascinating.

" I think it might turn out like the movie Les Miserables. That movie languished in my collection for months until we put it on out of curiosity and we absolutely loved it!"

Can you believe I have YET to see that film? Shame on me. I'm dying to see though, especially now, since you said you and Karin loved it.

I hated the book, but I do appreciate the style of the 20's and always think about my grandparents who would have been in their 20's during that period. I have seen women dressed as flappers at costume events and I always think they look fabulous. Great jewelry too!

Ron, Ron, Ron. So silly. But I got a good giggle out of it, so thank you!

I had a troll doll in the 70's. A pink-haired one. But I never liked their faces. I'm pretty sure Cabbage Patch dolls were modeled after them, and I never liked their faces, either.

What's most noticeable to me as a similarity is that both Pierre and Hilda are entirely lacking in secondary sex characteristics. I hadn't realized up until this post that there aren't male and female troll dolls, only male and female troll doll clothing.

" i saw the Alan Ladd version of the film, which was decidedly lacking. This latest version is on my list of flicks to see and I must say that I've always enjoyed Baz Luhrmann's work."

I've never seen that version or even knew that another one existed!? Thanks for letting me know because I will have to look for it in F.Y.E.! And yes, I've always enjoyed Baz's work as well. I LOVED "Strictly Ballroom!"

"He has such an original, crazy vision that his misses are more interesting than most filmmakers' direct hits. The guy is just nut behind the camera and we need more of his kind in the movie business. "